Normal Virgin Research Articles

Effects of Virgin coconut oil on Testicular toxicity induced by Cadmium in rats

One of major threat to the environmental pollution is the contamination the by various heavy metals. Cadmium is found to have toxic effects on testis. VCO is increasingly getting the reputation of being the most versatile and healthiest antioxidant. Objective: To study the effect pre-treatment of virgin coconut oil in cadmium induced testicular toxicity in rats. Materials and methods: Institutional ethics committee clearance was obtained before beginning the experiments. Male rats of wistar strain approximately 150-200 gm body weight was used. They were housed in the central animal house under controlled conditions of temperature and light with normal rat feed and drinking water. Animals were divided into four groups with 6 rats in each group. Sperm count and sperm morphology was done. One of the testis was used for histopathological study. The data was expressed as mean  SD. Significance of the test was set at p<0.05. Results: In the present study administration of cadmium chloride showed a significant decrease in the testicular and epididymal weight as well as sperm count and testosterone level and increase in sperm shape abnormality. Pre-treatment with Virgin coconut oil showed a significant increase in the testicular and epidydimal weight as well as sperm count and testosterone level and decrease in sperm shape abnormality Testicular section in normal control rats and Virgin treated rats showed normal features. But, in cadmium treated rats the testis showed necrosis of most of the tubules but rats pre-treated with virgin coconut oil showed that less than 25 % of the tubules had necrosis. Conclusion: In conclusion, present study showed that Cadmium administration showed a damaging effect on the testis and Virgin coconut oil showed protective role in attuning cadmium induced testicular damage

Optimizing bursting behavior of calendered needle-punched polyester fabrics

In the present study, two sets (I and II) of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics using virgin and recycled polyester fibers were prepared varying machine parameters. In the set first (set I) three different parameters namely grams/m2 (GSM), needling density and blend ratio with three different levels and in the second set (set II) three different parameters, i.e. calender roller pressure, calender roller temperature and calender roller speed with three different levels were used. For the first set fabrics, it has been seen that the bursting strength increased with the increase in GSM, needling density as well increased virgin polyester fiber in the blend. In the second set increase in calender roller pressure, roller temperature caused increase in bursting strength, but with the increase in roller speed it decreased. The comparison of both sets fabric revealed that set II fabric formation is economical since there is less consumption of polyester fibers. The investigation of two arrangements of fabrics uncovers that legal choice of calendering parameters may result economical nonwoven fabrics by requiring lesser fibrous strands for the assembling of needle bonded fabrics, moreover it will lessen the contamination by using the waste polyester bottles additionally the reliance on normal oil-based virgin polyester will be reduced.

Assessing Total Keratometry Astigmatism, Simulated Keratometry, and Total Corneal Topographic Astigmatism Against Manifest Refractive Cylinder.

To evaluate how the Total Keratometry astigmatism measure from a swept-source optical biometer compares with simulated keratometry astigmatism from the same device, and total corneal topographic astigmatism (CorT Total) derived from a Scheimpflug tomographer. For normal virgin eyes, the ocular residual astigmatism (ORA) magnitudes were determined based on Total Keratometry, simulated keratometry from the same optical biometer (SimKbiom), and CorT Total and simulated keratometry (SimKScheim) from a Scheimpflug tomographer. The ORA magnitudes for each type of measure were summarized into the standard deviations (ORAsd) and means (ORAmean). The lower the ORAsd, the less variability there is between corneal astigmatism and manifest refractive cylinder. The ORAmean indicates the amount of vectorial difference between the total corneal astigmatism and manifest refractive cylinder. The ORAsd for Total Keratometry was not significantly different from the ORAsd for CorT Total (P = .06) or SimKbiom (P = .41). The ORAmean for Total Keratometry was not significantly different from the ORAmean for CorT Total (P = .15), but was significantly lower than the ORAmean for SimKbiom (P < .001). Total Keratometry astigmatism correlates as well with manifest refractive cylinder as simulated keratometry astigmatism from the same device and CorT Total from a Scheimpflug tomographer. The average difference (as quantified by the ORAmean) between Total Keratometry astigmatism and manifest refractive cylinder was comparable to that of CorT Total, and less than that of simulated keratometry. Both of these results support the use of Total Keratometry over simulated keratometry in the planning of astigmatism surgery when corneal values are required. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(3):198-201.].

Post-LASIK Ectasia Versus Keratoconus: An In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Study

To examine and compare corneal cellular and subbasal nerve (SBN) characteristics in post-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis ectasia (PLE) corneas, normal post-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis corneas (PLC), keratoconus (KC) corneas, and normal virgin corneas (NC). In this cross-sectional comparative study, 18 PLE eyes of 11 patients, 18 PLC of 15 cases, 32 KC eyes of 32 patients, and 29 NC of 29 subjects were assessed using in vivo confocal microscopy. The density of the basal epithelial cell (BEC), anterior keratocyte, posterior keratocyte, and endothelial cell layers, as well as the characteristics of SBN fibers, was compared between the 4 groups. The density of the BEC and anterior and posterior keratocyte layers was significantly lower in KC compared with NC (-650 ± 190, P = 0.013; -181 ± 39, P < 0.001; and -36 ± 11, P = 0.021, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between PLE and PLC regarding these parameters (all Ps ≥ 0.6). Mean SBN parameters, including central corneal nerve branch density, nerve fiber length, total branch density, and nerve fiber area, were significantly lower in KC compared with NC and in PLE compared with PLC (all Ps ≤ 0.021). The pathophysiology of PLE seems to differ from KC. Apparent changes in the BEC and anterior and posterior keratocytes associated with KC were not observed in PLE. However, SBNs seem to be involved in both conditions.

Corneal Topographic Astigmatism Based on Total Corneal Power Data (CorT Total): A Benchmark for Total Corneal Astigmatism.

To evaluate how closely manufacturer-provided measures of total corneal astigmatism correspond with the manifest refractive cylinder, as compared to a benchmark of corneal topographic astigmatism calculated on the basis of measured total corneal power (TCP) data (CorT Total). The SD of the ocular residual astigmatism magnitude (ORAsd) was evaluated for normal virgin eyes based on an optimized benchmark CorT Total and the various measures of total corneal astigmatism provided by 3 different Scheimpflug tomographers. The CorT Total corresponded with the manifest refractive cylinder at least as well as all the measures of total corneal astigmatism provided by the tomographers [Sirius CorT Total ORAsd: 0.320D (standard error [SE] 0.017D), Sirius TCP 4 mm ORAsd: 0.324D (SE 0.017D); Pentacam CorT Total ORAsd: 0.338D (SE 0.027D), Pentacam total corneal refractive power apex zone 4 mm ORAsd: 0.337D (SE 0.029D); Galilei CorT Total ORAsd: 0.472D (SE 0.068D), and Galilei TCP2 ORAsd: 0.536D (SE 0.124D)]. The difference between CorT Total and best measure on each tomographer was not statistically significant (Sirius TCP 4 mm: P = 0.24, Pentacam total corneal refractive power apex zone 4 mm: P = 0.64, Galilei TCP2: P = 0.24). Most of the manufacturer-provided measures did not correspond closely with the manifest refractive cylinder. When there were multiple measures of total corneal astigmatism, those derived from a zone with a diameter of 4.0 mm corresponded best with the manifest refractive cylinder. The CorT Total is a reliable benchmark measure that can be used to assess how well other measures of total corneal astigmatism correspond with the manifest refractive cylinder.

SUPERPAVE VERSUS CONVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES FOR DESIGNING NORMAL AND MODIFIED ASPHALT MIXES

Due to the empirical nature and drawbacks of the conventional procedures, the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHARP) has developed a Superior Performance Asphalt Pavements (SUPERPAVE) mix design procedure. The main objective of this research is to study the applicability of the Superpave in Egypt. This is done by studying aggregate characteristics using both the Superpave and the conventional techniques, investigating the normal (virgin) and SBS modified asphalt characteristics using Superpave, and designing asphalt mixtures comprised of the characterized materials using both the Superpave and the conventional Marshall design methods. Results indicate that Superpave is applicable to Egyptian aggregate with a more restrictive supervision of crushing aggregates and gradations (some gradations may need modifications). Mix design results indicated two main findings; first, most optimum asphalt contents (OAC) determined by the Superpave mix design method are consistently less than OAC determined by the Marshall Mix design method. Second, modified asphalt mixes result in less OAC than normal asphalt mixes according to both Marshall and Superpave mix design methods for both binder and surface layers.

EVALUATION OF NORMAL AND MODIFIED ASPHALT ACCORDING TO CONVENTIONAL AND MODERN GRADING SYSTEMS

Asphalt plays a significant role in pavement quality. The need for high-performance pavements with long service life and low maintenance requirements is the motive behind thorough research and studies of asphalt characteristics. This research focuses on studying all sources of Egyptian asphalt over a span of time using both conventional and Superpave grading techniques in order to characterize asphalt performance and also to answer the question whether the Egyptian asphalts need modification. The results of this research indicate that all Egyptian normal (virgin) 60/70 asphalt samples from different sources failed to meet penetration grading requirements, viscosity grading standards AC-20 (high quality); with minor exceptions, viscosity grading system AC-20 (low quality), and both AR-8000 and AR-1000 Aged Residue grading systems. When Superpave grading system was employed, results indicate that all normal asphalt samples failed to meet the basic requirements (without traffic adjustment) according to the Egyptian climatic requirements for high reliability projects (PG70-10 and PG76-10). The testing results accommodate Superpave requirements for lower levels of reliability and/or lower level of conservativeness. This emphasizes the flexibility and reliability of Superpave grading system as compared to conventional grading systems. On the other hand all modified asphalt samples, using an SBS modifier, passed according to the base high reliability projects and/or high level of conservativeness requirements of the Superpave grading system. Finally it is concluded that Egyptian asphalt should be modified in order to provide satisfactory performance especially for high reliability projects in hot regions with high and/or slow traffic.

Composition and Mechanical Property of DD6 Superalloy Revert

DD6 superalloy revert ingot was smelt in an industrialized vacuum induction furnace,Inclusions quantity was tested by electron beam buttons. Purification effect, compositions, mechanical property and cast-ability of purified revert and normal virgin alloy was studied. The results show that the quantity of the inclusions of revert material was slightly higher than one of the normal virgin,and rupture life under 980°C/250MPa and 1100°C/130MPa was slightly higher, and the similar effect was also shown for the compositions and the tensile properties under the temperatures of 760°C and 980°C, as well as cast-ability.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of a putative sex-peptide receptor in the tobacco cutwormSpodoptera litura(Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The sex-peptide receptor (SPR) acts in Drosophila females to detect male sex-peptide (SP) and trigger changes in female behaviour. Further study on SPR and its ligand family from different taxa will not only provide insight into ligand–receptor coevolution but also facilitate finding new approaches for pest control. Our previous studies on the tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775) showed that mating usually results in marked changes in female behaviour and determined that factors from male accessory gland (MAG) secretions play a key role in such switches in females after mating. In the present study, we report the cloning of a transcript encoding a G-protein-coupled receptor from S. litura. This 3 kb transcript contains an ORF encoding a protein of 421 amino acids that shared significant amino acid identity to the SPR identified in Drosophila. Real-time PCR showed that the expression levels of the receptor in adults correlate well with the process of sexual maturation and mating rates; mating resulted in distinct sexual dimorphic differences in gene expression. Our results suggest that this gene is involved in mediating reproductive behaviour in adult moths. To test the hypothesis, we further studied the possible function of this receptor (SplSPR) on mediating female post-mating behaviour by using RNA interference (RNAi) and treatment with MAG secretions. RNAi reduced the expression levels of SplSPR by 65–88% and significantly prevented the effect of MAG secretions. Injection of MAG secretions causes normal virgin females to behave as though they had mated (they are sexually unreceptive and start to lay eggs), whereas SPR RNAi females fail to respond to MAG factors and continue to show virgin behaviours (lay very few eggs and copulate readily). These results support the hypothesis that the SplSPR functions in mediating female post-mating behaviour and the existence of an SP-like ligand in MAG secretions in S. litura.

An Investigation into the Physico-chemical Properties of Transformer Oil Blends with Antioxidants extracted from Turmeric Powder

Abstract The blending of transformer oil (used mainly as an insulating oil) with appropriate synthetic antioxidants, such as BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) and DBP (2,6-di-tert-butylphenol) have been previously reported. This article is focused on the use of antioxidant extracts from turmeric (Curcuma longa), a natural source. Turmeric is well known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties owing to the active nature of its components. Extracts from powdered turmeric were subsequently blended into naphthenic-based uninhibited virgin transformer oil, hereinafter referred to as extract-oil blends (E-OB). Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of the oil blends revealed that five components extracted from turmeric powder were successfully blended into the oil. Subsequent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis confirmed the presence of the compounds: curcumene, sesquiphellandrene, ar-turmerone, turmerone and curlone. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the extract-oil blends, containing various levels of extracts, revealed an average temperature shift of ∼8.21°C in the initial onset of degradation in comparison to virgin non-blended oil. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that an increase in the mass aliquot of turmeric extracts in the transformer oil increased the free radical scavenging activity of the oil. Electrical properties of the oil investigated showed that the dissipation factor in the blended oil was found to be lower than that of virgin transformer oil. Evidently, a lower dissipation value renders the oil blend as a superior insulator over normal virgin non-blended oil. This investigation elucidated improved physico-chemical properties of transformer oil blended with turmeric antioxidant extracts.

English

Methomyl (S-methyl-1-N (methyl carbamoyl) oxy] thio acetimidate, is a N –methyl carbamate broad spectrum insecticide. The methomyl containing technical formulation the “Lannate” was evaluated for its effects on the liver antioxidant contents, oxidative stress by-products and oxidative stress enzyme activities and histopathology in Swiss albino mice. Normal virgin male Swiss albino mice of 90 days old weighing about 25-30g were used in the experiment. The mice were administered 1, 2, 3, and 4mg/kg body wt methomyl for 30 days and effective dose 4 mg for 5, 10, and 20 days to know the dose and durational effect on liver. The mice were sacrificed on day 31 st or 24 hours after the terminal exposure. Liver dissected out freed from adherent tissue and weighed to nearest milligram. The liver histology, estimations of antioxidant contents, oxidative stress by-products and oxidative stress enzyme activities were carried out. Liver antioxidant contents showed that levels of GSH (Glutathione) and ascorbic acid were decreased significantly in mice treated with 2, 3 and 4mg/kg/day methomyl and 4 mg/ kg/ day for 10 and 20days of methomyl treatment, except the level of ascorbic acid was not changed significantly in mice treated with 2 mg/kg body wt. Liver antioxidant products showed that levels of TBARS (thiobarbaturic acid) and protein carbonyl were increased significantly in mice treated with 2, 3 and 4mg/kg/day methomyl and 4 mg/ kg/ day for 10 and 20days of methomyl treatment, except the level of TBARS was not changed significantly in mice treated with 2 mg/kg body wt of methomyl. Liver oxidative stress enzyme activities showed that levels of CAT (Catalase), SOD (super oxide dismutase) and GST (Glutathione-s-transferase) were decreased significantly in mice treated with 2, 3 and 4mg/kg/day methomyl and 4 mg/ kg/ day for 10 and 20days of methomyl treatment. The Histology of liver of mice treated with 2, 3 and 4 mg / kg/ day methomyl and 4 mg / kg/ day for 10 and 20days of duration showed that dilation of central vein, sinusoids between hypertrophied hepatocytes and cytoplasmic vacuolization with loss of radial arrangement of cells. The result of the present study suggests that chronic exposure to methomyl insecticide has deleterious effect on liver. The study also revealed that the methomyl might have affected cell metabolism and cell membrane permeability and detoxification system in liver.

Do Cytoplasmic Lipid Droplets Accumulate in Immature Oocytes from Over-Conditioned Repeat Breeder Dairy Heifers?

One of the main sources of repeat breeding in dairy cattle, caused by fertilization failure or early embryonic death, is metabolic stress during lactation. Nutrition seems also to play a role when the condition is seen in heifers, where oocyte cytoplasmic maturation is impaired. To determine whether over conditioning affects oocyte morphology, immature oocytes were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU) twice weekly during 5 weeks from three over-conditioned repeat breeder dairy heifers (RBH) and two normal virgin heifers (VH, controls) of the Swedish Red breed, monitored by body weight and condition. Oocyte quality was assessed under stereomicroscope and further examined by transmission electron microscope for accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid deposits. After OPU, the RBH yielded more low quality oocytes (60% vs 52% for VH, p = 0.14). The relative occupancy of osmophilic lipid droplets in the cytoplasm was higher in oocytes of bad quality compared with good ones, especially in RBH (p = 0.08) but also in VH (p = 0.11). Moreover, the oocytes from over-conditioned RBH showed higher amounts of cytoplasmic lipid deposits both in good (p = 0.14) and, even more prominent, in bad quality oocytes (p = 0.06). Such accumulation of lipid droplets may imply increased sensitivity to oxidative stress, hinder cytoplasmic maturation and lead to subfertility, as accounted in over-conditioned repeat breeders of the Swedish Red breed.

Regulation of transgenes in three-dimensional cultures of primary mouse mammary cells demonstrates oncogene dependence and identifies cells that survive deinduction

The advent of targeted therapies for cancer has provoked interest in experimental models for the systematic study of oncogene dependence. To that end, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) culture system to analyze the responses of primary mouse mammary epithelial cells to the induction and deinduction of oncogenes. Mammary cells derived from normal virgin mice, or from tritransgenic mice (TetO-MYC;TetO-Kras(G12D);MMTV-rtTA) in which MYC and mutant Kras can be regulated by doxycycline, develop from single cells into polarized acini. Lumen formation occurs without apparent apoptosis, and the hollow spheres of cells enlarge by division, with metaphase plates oriented perpendicularly to the apical surface. When MYC and Kras(G12D) are induced, the acini enlarge and form solid, depolarized spheres. Upon deinduction of MYC and Kras(G12D) the solid structures regress, leaving a repolarized monolayer of viable cells. These cells display a phenotype consistent with progenitors of mammary epithelium: They exclude Hoechst dye 33342, and reform acini in 3D cultures and repopulate mammary fat pads more efficiently than cells harvested from uninduced acini. Moreover, cells in the surviving spheres retain the ability to respond to reinduction and thus may represent the type of cells that give rise to recurrent tumors.

成虫照射したアリモドキゾウムシ雄とペア飼育した雌の交尾・産卵行動

The effects of irradiation on copulatory and oviposition behavior in the sweetpotato weevil , Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) were evaluated using females irradiated with 50 Gy gamma rays during the pupal stage, females irradiated at 200 Gy during the adult stage, and non-irradiated normal females. All types of females copulated with males irradiated during the adult stage or normal males. The females irradiated during the pupal stage did not complete oviposition or produce offspring after copulation when paired with irradiated or normal males, similar to females that did not copulate. The females irradiated during the adult stage exhibited oviposition behavior during a short period just after copulation but gradually stopped , and none produced offspring. Normal females that copulated with males irradiated during the adult stage laid eggs but produced no offspring, whereas they produced offspring when mated with normal males. These results can be used to estimate the competitive ability of released males irradiated during the adult stages against wild males. Using a normal virgin female trap in the field, her copulatory experience and partner can be detected; i.e. , if the female lays eggs, then this indicates she has copulated, and if she fails to produce offspring, this indicates that she has copulated with a released male irradiated as an a adult.

Phosphamidon induced effects on estrous cycle, ovarian, and uterine biochemical parameters in Swiss albino mice

Phosphamidon is chemically known as phosphoric acid, 2-chloro-2-diethyl carboryl-methylvenyl-0-0-dimethyl phosphate. It is a systemic and contact insecticide with broad spectrum of activity. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate its effects on estrous cycle, ovarian, and uterine biochemical contents in albino mice. Normal virgin female Swiss albino mice of 90 days old and weighing about 20–30 g were divided into five groups. Phosphamidon was orally administered at doses 1.3, 2.6, 3.9, and 5.2 mg/kg body weight/day for 30 days consecutively. The vaginal smear and body weight were recorded daily and mice were sacrificed on 31st day. Estrous cycle was affected by showing a significant decrease in the number of estrous cycle and duration of proestrus, estrus, and metestrus in all the groups except in 1.3 mg/kg body weight/day phosphamidon treated group, and with concomitant increase in the duration of diestrus in all the treated groups. However there is a significant decrease in the body weight in all the groups except 1.3 mg/kg body weight/ day phosphamidon treated group. The deleterious effects were also reflected in the loss of weights of ovary and uterus: In mice treated with 2.6, 3.9, and 5.2 mg/kg phosphamidon showed a significant decrease in total protein and glycogen in the ovary and uterus. The response of the ovary and uterus for nucleic acid (DNA) content was significantly decreased in higher doses. The observed effects of phosphamidon may be due to imbalance in the hormone or toxic effects.

The Image of Exocytosis during Neutrophils and Macrophages Phagocytic Activities in Inflammation of Mammary Gland Triggered by Experimental Staphylococcus aureus Infection

The experiments were carried out in five clinically normal virgin heifers. Before the experimental infection and at 24, 48, 72 and 168 h after the infection, respective mammary glands were rinsed with phosphate buffered saline. Neutrophils as well as macrophages underwent a classic exocytosis accompanied by translocation of lysosomal granules. The granules filled the protuberances of the plasmalemma and after the protuberances separated from the cell, they entered the extracellular space in the shape of round bodies of different sizes. After exocytosis, neutrophils displayed a smaller nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, a greater chromatin density of the nucleus, and an overall smaller size. Macrophages phagocytosed bacteria and/or neutrophils with and without signs of apoptosis (early and late apoptotic respectively) and neutrophils after exocytosis. Macrophages underwent cytolysis that was accompanied by extrusion of granules, phagosomes and phagolysosomes containing phagocytosed bacteria or neutrophils. Confluences were formed in which the process of digestion continued. Apoptosis of neutrophils gradually appeared and intensified in resolution of inflammation. The macrophages contributed to the inactivation of bacterial noxa as well as of histotoxic contents of neutrophils. Nevertheless, macrophages often underwent cytolysis at the site of inflammation.

Changes in gene expression during the development of mammary tumors in MMTV-Wnt-1 transgenic mice

cDNA microarray-derived expression profiles of MMTV-Wnt-1 and MMTV-Neu transgenic mice reveal several hundred genes to be differentially expressed at each stage of breast tumor development.

Downhole Catalytic Process for Upgrading Heavy Oil: Produced Oil Properties and Composition

Abstract The level of in situ upgrading of heavy Wolf Lake oil achieved by a downhole catalytic process, which is a catalytic variant of the THAI process-"Toe-to-Heel Air Injection"-has been investigated using various analytical methods. These included gas chromatography (GC), elemental analysis, simulated distillation (SIMDIS), micro-activity test (MAT), plus density and viscosity. The tests were performed on the oil produced from the downhole catalytic upgrading process, which was conducted in semi-scaled 3D combustion cells. The tests employed a standard hydrogen de-sulphurisation (HDS) catalyst, which was "gravel packed" around the horizontal producer well, forming an annular radial inflow type reactor. Although the analytical measurements made were necessarily selective in their scope, they nevertheless provide a good indication of what the potential may be for downhole upgrading in the field. Downhole catalytic upgrading produces a "light oil, " characterized by a low viscosity of around 60 mPas, or less. The produced oil is readily converted into gasoline and diesel fractions, with a higher conversion on an FCC basis than that obtained with normal virgin bitumen vacuum gas oil. Environmentally, there are also very significant potential benefits regarding in situ removal (and retention) of heavy metals, and reduction of sulphur in the oil. Introduction Fireflooding, in situ combustion (ISC), or heavy oil air injection (HOAI) is a process wherein a combustion front is propagated through the formation, vapourizing the oil and water ahead of it. Conventional forward combustion is a long-distance displacement process (Figure 1), so that vapourized oil and water are condensed in the cooler parts of the reservoir and are eventually produced from a producer well. Theoretically, forward combustion is intended to burn the least desirable fraction of the oil, leaving a clean formation behind. Its main drawback is that there must be sufficient mobility for the vapourized oil and water to be producedfter they have condensed ahead of the combustion front. This factor, frequently leading to loss of air injectivity and consequent inability to maintain the process in a high temperature oxidation (HTO) mode, has probably been responsible for the poor performance, or failure, of many field applications of the conventional ISC process. Short-distance displacement (Figure 1) is a concept that was made possible by the development of horizontal well technology. SAGD (steam-assisted gravity drainage) is the most well-known thermal process in this category. THAI-"Toe-to-Heel Air Injection," is an integrated horizontal wells-thermal process, also fitting into the short-distance displacement category (Figure 1), but with some unique features. Briefly, there is no necessity for communication into, or displacement through, the oil layer downstream of the combustion front. Rather, this is excluded by THAI, since the cold heavy oil region downstream of the combustion front provides a natural "barrier" by virtue of its very high viscosity, as well as providing a seal around the horizontal producer well. Figure 1 illustrates the "moving window" effect in THAI, due to the propagation of the combustion front.

Effect of endosulfan on ovarian compensatory hypertrophy in hemicastrated albino mice

Endosulfan, a chlorinated cyclodiene insecticide, was administered orally at 1.5, 3, 6, and 9 mg/kg per day to normal hemicastrated virgin mice for 15 consecutive days to examine the effect on ovarian function. Sham-operated and hemicastrated control mice were administered a similar volume of olive oil. The vaginal smear and body weight of the mice were recorded daily and mice were sacrificed on day 16. The remaining left ovary, uterus, kidney, adrenal, liver, thymus, and thyroid were removed and weighed. The left ovary from each animal was serially sectioned and stained for histologic studies. The hemicastrated control mice had a 40.5% increase in weight of the remaining left ovary and a significant increase in healthy and atretic follicles when compared with sham-operated controls. The remaining left ovaries of mice treated with 1.5 mg endosulfan had a 37.2% increase in weight with no significant difference in ovarian weight and or in the healthy and atretic follicles when compared with hemicastrated olive oil-treated controls. However, treatment with 3, 6, and 9 mg endosulfan resulted in weight increases in the remaining left ovary of only 14.9, 7.4, and 0.8% and a significant decrease in healthy follicles with a concomitant increase in the number of atretic follicles compared to the olive oil-treated controls. There was no significant change in the number of estrous cycles or the duration of each phase of the estrous cycle with 1.5 and 3 mg/kg per day endosulfan. However, there was a significant decrease in the number of estrous cycles, and the duration of estrus and metestrus with a concomitant significant increase in the duration of the diestrus phase with 6 and 9 mg/kg per day endosulfan treatment when compared with hemicastrated olive oil-treated controls. There were no significant change in body weight or the weights of the uterus, kidney, adrenal, liver, thymus, or thyroid after endosulfan treatment. These observations show that endosulfan treatment caused a significant decrease in compensatory ovarian hypertrophy. An increase in the number of atretic follicles and disruption of the estrous cycle may have been due to a direct effect on the ovary or to effects on the hypothalamo–hypophysial–ovarian axis.

Anti-implantation effect of a carbamate fungicide mancozeb in albino mice.

Mancozeb, an organocarbamate fungicide, was administered to examine the effect on implantation at doses of 18, 24, 30 and 36 mg/kg body weight/d to normal virgin swiss albino mice for 8 days to pregnant mice. The vaginal smear and body weight of the mice were recorded daily and mice were sacrificed on 9th day of pregnancy. There was a complete inhibition of implantation in 36 mg mancozeb treated mice with 100% pre-implantation loss. There was a partial inhibition of implantation in 24 and 30 mg mancozeb treated mice with 53.44 and 90.16% pre-implantation loss respectively. However, implantation was not affected in 18 mg mancozeb treated mice with 4.92% pre-implantation loss when compared to oil treated controls. To study the temporal effect, the effective dose of 36 mg/kg body weight/d mancozeb was administered orally for 3 and 5 days and on day 3 only. There was a complete inhibition of implantation in 5 days treated mice with 100% pre-implantation loss and partial inhibition of implantation of 3 days treated mice with 75% pre-implantation loss. However, implantation was not affected in mice treated on day 3 only with 1.63% pre-implantation loss when compared to control mice. There was a significant decrease in the diestrus phase with the result there was a concomitant increase in the estrus phase and there was a significant decrease in the uterus weight with 24, 30 and 36 mg and for 3 and 5 days with 36 mg mancozeb treatment. Inhibition of implantation by mancozeb may be due to hormonal imbalance or its toxic effects.